Sumner: 'I see all of Blur as equal'

Bernard Sumner has said that he believes Alex James is a musical equal to his ex-Blur bandmates.

The pair collaborated for new project Bad Lieutenant, but despite featuring on debut album Never Cry Another Tear, James did not make the final lineup of the band.

Responding to a question on the group's official site about James always being overshadowed, Sumner said: "I think that's a matter of perception. I see all the musicians in Blur with equal standing really.

"Obviously, the singer is going to get a bit more attention because he is doing something different to the others, is usually the focal point for the band and is usually the biggest c**t."

He added: "The guitarist always looks a bit clever because he's got so many strings and apparently knows what to do with them.

"The drummer is the backbone of the band and is the real underrated one. Mmm... Bass players... mmm..."

Last year, Sumner fell out with his former New Order and Joy Division bassist bandmate Peter Hook.